A DUI arrest in Clearwater does not require a person to actually drive a vehicle while under the influence. Often times, an arrest can occur when a person is not driving, but rather is found to be in actual physical control of the vehicle. Actual physical control is defined by the ability of the person to operate the vehicle. It does not matter whether the keys were in the ignition or the person was in the driver's seat. Actual physical control of the vehicle means being in or on the vehicle with the ability to operate it. The purpose of this type of DUI is to punish persons who pose the risk of driving under the influence. The police in Clearwater are interested in the ability to start and drive the vehicle, not in the actual operation of it. Many factors are important in determining whether a person was in actual physical control, including the location of the keys, the number of occupants in and around the vehicle, and the location of the driver. If you were arrested for an Actual Physical Control DUI in Clearwater, call our skilled attorneys immediately at 727-222-3610 to discuss the facts of your case.